The Big Ten’s officiating crew flat out blew a critical call in the final minutes of UCLA’s 17-15 upset win over Oregon this past weekend, incorrectly spotting the ball on the Ducks’ two-point conversion attempt that could have tied the game with just 2:16 left on the clock. You read that right: a game-tying play, messed up by the guys in stripes.
Big Ten Officials Botch Oregon’s Game-Tying Chance
Seriously, you cannot make this stuff up. The Big Ten themselves admitted the mistake. Oregon running back Jordon Davison was stopped short on the conversion try, a play that started from the 1.5-yard line. Here is the kicker: that ball should have been spotted correctly after a personal foul on UCLA during Oregon’s first attempt. Two-point conversions start at the 3-yard line, and after the initial try got the ball to the 1-yard line, the penalty should have moved the ball half-the-distance to the goal from the *end of that run*. Instead, the officials marked it off from the *original line of scrimmage*. It is a small difference, sure, but in a game where Oregon lost by two points, this is an egregious mistake. This blunder very well might’ve cost the Ducks their fourth win of the season. Oregon coach Dan Lanning did mention his “bad decision” on an earlier failed two-point conversion, but he was silent on this massive fourth-quarter screw-up. It is a season to forget already for Big Ten crews, and we’re barely into October.
Another Week, Another Blunder: What’s Going On?
If you thought that was bad, this isn’t even the first time the Big Ten admitted an officiating error this season. Last week, following Nebraska’s 48-23 victory over Maryland, the conference had to come clean about *another* screw-up. Nebraska missed a PAT late in that game, and guess what? Maryland was flagged for roughing-the-snapper. But instead of letting the Huskers re-try the kick, the failed attempt stood, and the penalty yards were incorrectly assessed on the ensuing kickoff. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule was still completely confused after the Big Ten’s admission, saying the referee even told him the extra point was “good,” so there was no need to argue. Rhule, clearly frustrated, did not hold back. “I thought it was ridiculous,” he said. “I thought it was poorly handled by the officials and poorly done by us. You’ve never heard me say that before, but I was frustrated today. There were things I’ve never had called before.” The Big Ten, to their credit, took no disciplinary action against Rhule after admitting their own mistakes.
This whole situation makes you wonder what is happening with the officiating quality. Two massive, game-impacting errors in back-to-back weeks? It is getting harder and harder to ignore. These are not just minor slips, these are rulebook blunders that are directly affecting outcomes. The Big Ten needs to clean this up, and fast, because fans are watching and it looks like a mess right now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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